It’s a testament to the coaching of Jim Harbaugh that the Chargers have been decidedly un-Charger-like this season, continuing to win games despite a slew of pivotal injuries. They’re coming off back-to-back victories over the two teams in last season’s Super Bowl, Philadelphia and Kansas City.
Their challenge Sunday is beating the Cowboys, who went 3-1 in November but began this month with consecutive losses.
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The Cowboys lead the league in offense, rolling up nearly 400 yards per game, but they’re 29th in total defense and last against the pass. Facing Justin Herbert is not a favorable matchup for them.
Dallas was eliminated from postseason contention with a Week 15 loss to Minnesota.
Read more: Veteran leadership and talent at the forefront of Chargers’ late-season surge
The Chargers can clinch a playoff berth with a win and a loss or tie by Indianapolis (versus San Francisco) or Houston (vs. Las Vegas).
How the Chargers can win: If Herbert has time, he should be able dissect a suspect Cowboys secondary and relies heavily on zone coverage. That has led to a bunch of explosive plays. The Cowboys are vulnerable to the run, as well, and a balanced attack by the Chargers will take them a long way. Get another strong performance from the defense.
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How the Cowboys can win: Be aggressive and play to win, not to protect leads. That means outscoring the Chargers, not settling for field goals because Brandon Aubrey is such a weapon. It would help the Cowboys to take some risks and go for it on fourth down more frequently. They can put points on the board, but more often they move the ball well between the 20s. Even a small improvement on defense would help.
Key injuries
Chargers: WR Derius Davis (ankle, out); LB Bud Dupree (back, questionable); WR Quentin Johnston (groin, questionable); S R.J. Mickens (shoulder, out); DB Elijah Molden (hamstring, questionable); OL Trey Pipkins (ankle, questionable); DL Teair Tart (shin, questionable).
Cowboys: CB DaRon Bland (foot, out); OT Tyler Guyton (ankle, out).
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How to watch Chargers vs. Cowboys
The Rams (10-4) and the Dallas Cowboys (6-7-1) will play at 10 a.m. PST on Sunday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The game will be shown on Fox throughout California and will be available nationally via a subscription to NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube TV. In Southern California, fans can listen to the game on 640 AM and 105.5 FM (Español).
Betting odds and lines for Chargers vs. Cowboys
Who will win Chargers vs. Cowboys?
Sam Farmer’s pick: The Chargers keep finding ways to win, even with their offensive line in constant rotation. Herbert should have time to pick apart this Dallas defense, and look for rookie tight end Oronde Gadsden II to get more involved than he has been in recent weeks. These aren’t the same Cowboys who were on a tear in November. Chargers get to 30, something they’ve only done once in the past six games.
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Chargers 30, Cowboys 26
This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
